Another Day Passed, Another Lesson Learned

For a starting business, House of PlumRed has Taken over my life this past week. Actually, since last week, I had been studying for the GMATs to see if Grad School was for me... I think I might have over studied, because until now, my brains has been mush. My boyfriend, the most supportive man alive, had taken the day to drive me to my test and even pack me lunch. Cute right? Anyways, the test could have been better, but I am really trying to figure out whether I need to take them over again or not. I am not too sure that I can take another crazy week of work and a test.

Of course, I did not fail to spread my self thin..AHH, because 5 days after the GMATs, HOUSE OF PLUMRED was to be at its FIRST expo: OC Boutiquing expo, and by friday, samples to Lucky Magazine had to be overnighted. Honestly, I thought, it couldn't be too bad to sew on 200 clothing labels, drive to Los Angeles Fashion District to pick up retail supplies, buy my first mannequin, Price tag hundreds of dresses, pack up the car, and set up an absolutely beautiful booth in Costa Mesa.
Did I mention I don't know how to sew? yes...I must have been delusional, but I am proud to say I overcame another week as the "CEO" of the House of PlumRed.

1. I learned how to buy a sewing machine. There are a myriad of different spools of thread...and yes, I had to pick among $15, $25, and a $500 sewing machine. I bought the QuickSew ($15)...and it never turned on...I upgraded to the $25 machine, and after 100 labels, the needle disappeared...and I don't think I'm pro enough to go with the $500 machine.
2. Learned how to sew...it only took 2 spools of thread haha.
3. Bought my first mannequin. Plastic, Dress Forms, Headless! Ahhhh the variety can make your head spin.
4. Set up my expo. An expo takes more than 2 days to set up. That is what i have learned after staying up till 3 am the morning before and arriving at the site at 7 am.
5. Also...sleep is good.
6. I learned what a "Bobbin" and "Seam Ripper" was all by myself :).

I think those were the biggest lessons. The expo was a SUCCESS. We just added another 60 people to our customer base and made what we usually do in 2 weeks, in 8 hours.

Result? Time to Plan the next EXPO and do it all over again! Yeeee!